Dehradun, January 8: The BJP honored the legacy of its inspirational figure, the late Devendra Shastri, on his death anniversary with a commemorative program held at the party headquarters. Senior party leaders and workers gathered to pay homage to Shastri’s contributions, both to the party and to the idea of Uttarakhand as a separate state.
Led by State General Secretary Aditya Kothari, the event featured a thought-provoking symposium where Shastri was remembered as an idealist and founding figure of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh and the BJP. Party members offered floral tributes to Shastri’s portrait, celebrating his life of sacrifice, dedication, and service to the organization. In his address, Kothari described Shastri as a guiding light for the party. “It is his vision, sacrifice, and determination that have shaped the BJP into the world’s largest political organization today,” he said.
The program highlighted Shastri’s pivotal role in defining the party's ideology and his instrumental contribution to the vision of Uttarakhand as a separate state. His son, Bhuwan Vikram Dabral, a former president of the Indian Farmers’ Union, also spoke at the event, recalling his father’s influential work. “He was the first to bring the demand for statehood into the national political narrative. In 1984, he played a crucial role in passing the BJP’s resolution for a separate state, giving voice to the aspirations of the people of this region,” Dabral said.
The solemn occasion served as a reminder of Shastri’s dedication, which continues to inspire BJP workers and leaders. Kothari emphasized the need to remember not only Shastri’s contributions but also those of all workers who stood by him during critical times.
The event was attended by several prominent party members, including State Treasurer Puneet Mittal, Office Secretary Kastubhanand Joshi, and government representatives Dr. Devendra Bhasin and Kailash Pant. Other notable attendees included Shamim Kazmi, Prakash Suman Dhyani, Rishiraj Dabral, and Meera Raturi.
As the BJP family reflected on Shastri’s legacy, the occasion underscored his enduring impact on the party’s values and its mission. His vision for statehood and organizational discipline remains a cornerstone for the party as it continues to build on his foundational work.
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